1 civilian killed in Zunheboto factional clash

Inter factional clash in Zunheboto district, between NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN, Sunday morning has once again claimed the life of an innocent citizen at Kulhopu village, Satakha sub-division under Zunheboto district. The victim believed to be in his 70’s has been identified as one Thakhezu son of late. Khumtsa.

According to some villagers, present during the incident said that the clash broke out at around 10.45 a.m. Heavy exchange of gun-fire was reported for around 15-20 minutes between the two warring factions, sources said.

The civilian was hit by a stray bullet when he was returning home after attending Sunday devotional service. The bullet hit his chest and punctured the heart leaving the victim spot-dead, a villager told this Correspondent. No one could reach out to the victim as both factions were firing indiscriminately, a villager said.

The immediate and timely intervention of 21 AR personnel prevented further escalation of gun-fight. The armed cadres reportedly fled the scene into the thick jungles soon after security forces arrived.

Various organizations and NGO’s-- Sumi Hoho, Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, elders along with district administration DC Zunheboto, DB’s, SP, SDPO, OC Zunheboto and IRB personnel also rushed to the incident site on receiving information.

Police also recovered several bullet shells and some live rounds. Various organizations have vehemently condemned Sunday’s incident and appealed to all warring factions to stop all sorts of violence in the district which has adversely affected the peaceful atmosphere.

It maybe mentioned that at least six innocent civilians have been killed in the past few months in connection with factional related violence in Zunheboto district.